Dall sheep ewe illegally shot in Chugach State Park

Posted: Sunday, September 09, 2001

ANCHORAGE (AP) -- Someone illegally shot a female Dall sheep 10 days ago along one of Chugach State Park's most popular recreation corridors and left the carcass unsalvaged by the side of the Powerline Pass Trail.

A runner discovered the remains and reported it to park rangers. At that time, the carcass was intact except for a pie-sized circle of hide that had been neatly sliced from the animal's left side, according to Chugach Chief Ranger Jerry Lewanski.

Hunting is prohibited in the area.

By the time officers recovered the remains, a bear and other animals had begun feeding on the carcass. Investigators said the ewe had been hit in the head by a single shot from a small-caliber firearm and probably killed where it was found.

''The stupidity of the action endangers people's lives by leaving the carcass on the trail,'' Lewanski said. Mountain bikers reported Friday that they had surprised a bear at the scene.